Can’t fit that full length dropper post on your bike? Change the travel! Well, if you dropper post has the ability to do so, of course. Thanks to the wide range of seat tube sizes mixed with riders’ saddle heights, one size (or even multiple sizes) does not fit all. In order to maximize the amount of travel each rider is able to eke out of their dropper post, a few companies have introduced travel adjustable droppers like the new e*thirteen Vario Infinite.
Using a similar concept to the recent TranzX and PNW adjustable dropper posts, the e*thirteen post offers the same 30mm of total travel adjustment. Each post is adjustable down from the maximum travel in 5mm increments by turning the adjustment bushing.
Adjustment is easily made without tools by unthreading the locking collar, moving the bushing, and tightening everything back down. The Vario Infinite is offered in two travel configurations with 120-150mm and 150-180mm of total travel. Each of those will be available in 30.9 or 31.6mm diameters (more lengths and diameters are in the works). Claimed weights are listed as 550 and 571g for the 150mm posts and 597 and 618g for the 31.6mm posts.
Inside the rebuildable post, you’ll find a gas charged spring that allows for infinite saddle positioning within the travel range, and supposedly 20% less compression force required to push down the saddle compared to competitors.
To keep the round stanchion from rotating in the round lower tube, most dropper posts use a set of ‘keys’ that lock it in. Those keys here have increased surface contact for longer time between service and less rotational play.
Up top, the integrated head features new M6 T25 hardware to prevent creaking. It also offers 28° of seat angle adjustment, plus an extra 12mm of fore/aft saddle adjustment.
Along with the post, e13 has a new Vario Lever that has its own adjustability as well. Along with the ability to adjust the angle of the lever and the starting position, it offers three different clamp mounting positions to play nice with all of the different brake set ups out there. A nice touch is a single 3mm allen wrench is needed for mounting the lever on the bar, installing the cable, and adjusting the lever position. Shipped with grip tape on the paddle, the Vario Lever checks in at 73g.
With the post and the lever sold separately, posts will sell for $209 each. The lever only will be available for $49.95. There will also be service parts available including the actuator cap ($15.99), Rebuild Kit ($24.99), Saddle Clamp Kit ($20.99), and replacement seatpost cartridges ($49.99).
